Issue 17 : Mar/Apr 2001
Like many production sailboats, my Ericson 38 has an anchor roller but no centerline cleat (or windlass) for the anchor rode. Anchoring by leading the rode aft to one of the two bow cleats does not work well because the rode then chafes on the bow pulpit.
You can avoid this chafe by bringing a bight of the rode back from the roller and tying off directly to one of the bow cleats. This works, but is less than satisfactory because the bow cleats are well off the centerline, which causes the boat to swing more at anchor.
A solution to this dilemma is easy and requires just a 4-foot length of line. First, run the rode aft from the roller to one of the bow cleats. Then fasten your 4-foot line to the rode with a rolling hitch about one foot forward of the cleat. Finally, lead the tail of the 4-foot line to the opposite bow cleat, pull in enough to center the rode, and cleat the line.
The resulting rig is chafe-free, secure, and has the advantage of spreading the anchoring load over both bow cleats.
Steve, a research chemist, moved from Utah to Michigan and took up sailing to replace skiing. He and Beth, his wife, sail Rag Doll, an Ericson 38, on Lake Huron. But they dream of warmer waters.
Thank you to Sailrite Enterprises, Inc., for providing free access to back issues of Good Old Boat through intellectual property rights. Sailrite.com
